An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The → polarization of an → electromagnetic radiation in which the electric field vector describes a circle about the direction of propagation at any point in the path of the radiation. Circular polarization is a combination of two perpendicular → linearly polarized waves that are 90 degrees out of phase with each other. Circular polarization may be referred to as “right-hand” or “left-hand,” depending on the rotation direction as viewed by the observer.

See also: → circular; → polarization.